Saving money is music to anyone’s ear. Saving time and energy is an even better rhythm to dance to. One of the ways devised by consumers to save time and energy is bulk buying. This however has a ripple effect of deriving value for money because buyers are able to save some.
Picture some days when you are just too busy to get to the mart or store to buy groceries and essentials or days when you wish the market was just next door because you don’t want to move a muscle or take the children through the long checkout line of a supermarket, then stock up!
Merriam – Webster dictionary defines stocking up as getting a large quantity of something for later use. Stocking up on your regularly used items especially when they are on sale allows you to have more wiggle room in your budget as well as your store/pantry.
Stock piling, stocking up, anticipation buying –all these signify the same basic, value – adding practice which should not be confused with panic buying. Although you may not need all the items at once, you can build up your pantry to benefit your family when the need arises or when there’s a constraint on budget.
Stocking up is advisable for items that have a relatively long expiration date e.g. toilet papers razors, shampoo, laundry detergent, diapers, toothpaste, etc. On the other hand, ensure to disburse items in your store with discipline, so they can last as intended and you can stretch your budget.
Food items that have a long shelf life e.g. canned tomatoes, pepper, dried crayfish etc. can be stored for a long time if properly packaged. Generally, the items below are Good options to consider when thinking of stockpiling:
- Cleaning supplies
- Soap
- Personal hygiene basics
- Dried beans and leguminous plants (tomatoes, Ugwu, Efo, Okro)
- White rice/Pasta
- Garri, Poundo, Semo, Wheat
- Basic medical supplies
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Canned food items
- Salt, sugar and pepper, seasoning cubes
- Dried fish & stock fish
- Meat, chicken or other animal protein (frozen or processed)
The key to good stockpiling is planning. Here are few tips that can help you stay on top of the game: keep track of prices, check when sales are on, be familiar with the discounts and clearance sections and bargain effectively.
Surely, saving money, time and energy has great value! With your FirstBank payment cards, you have different options and easy access to your funds when you need to use them should you come across good buys.
References: https://goodcheapeats.com/stocking-up/, https://www.merriam-webster.com/, https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/ best-things-to-stockpile/ Ladybird limited,
Image Source: SHUTTERSTOCK
